The Journal of the Victorian Apiarists' Association
As we approach our first Victorian winter with varroa mites, we must be even more careful to consider colony health. Bees in winter are different from those of the rest of the year. Instead of a work-weary demise after about 6 weeks, winter bees are longer lived. Indeed in climates much colder than ours, they … Read more
What temperature tells us about the health of a bee colony By Theotime Colin As beekeeping sensors become increasingly available and affordable, the pollination industry is eyeing the promise of a reduction of beekeeping costs and colony losses (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00218839.2025.2552530) . Recent advances in our understanding of temperature regulation by bee colonies provide the first tangible … Read more
Every summer, beekeepers ask the same question:Can I use a smoker during a Fire Danger Period—and what do I need to do to stay legal and safe?The short answer is yes, but only if you follow some very specific safety rules. These rules come from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Act, not just from guidance … Read more
First Published in the American Bee Journal August 2025 By Randy Oliver, ScientificBeekeeping.com What is it with us beekeepers? On one hand we love invasive non-native weeds (so long as they produce nectar), but we dread having a neighbor with a swimming pool. How Can We Not Love Swimming Pools? In California during the summer, … Read more